Minhaj-ul-Quran International (Atlanta, Georgia USA) hosted Sirat-e-Rasool (PBUH) Conference at the Gwinnett Civic Center, Grand Ballroom, Atlanta, Georgia on Oct 5, 2013. Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri was the chief guest of the event.

Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri chose the topic of 'What is Iman (faith) and how can we become a true Mu'min (Believer)’ for his keynote address on the blessed occasion of Sirat-e-Rasool (PBUH) Conference.

Addressing the audience, Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri said that Iman is the highly esteemed favour of Allah on the mu’mins (Surah Al-Hujurat V.17). He said that the greatest favor bestowed upon the true believers by Allah (SWT) is that ‘He raised amongst you His Beloved Prophet (PBUH) who takes you out of ignorance, purifies your soul and heart, and provides us with spiritual guidance.’

Shaykh-ul-Islam said that as people were not aware of their Lord, no one knew about faith until the Prophet (PBUH) came with the message. The Prophet (PBUH), he said, took mankind out of darkness and purified their hearts. He said that from the darkness of ignorance, we hear the call of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) that guides us towards Iman & to Allah (SWT).

He said that the people accepted Iman (faith) only on the call of the Prophet (PBUH) and those who accepted the call of the Prophet (PBUH) became faithful believers and the ones who firmly accepted the statement of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) became Mu'min. He said that the purity of Iman is encapsulated in the short Surah Al-Ikhlas in the Quran. He said that we should get spiritually connected to person of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), adding that this is the aqeedah (belief) which will save you on the Day of Judgment.

Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri said that the test in the grave will be about the Prophet (PBUH), advising that we should attach ourselves spiritually with him. He referred to Hadith wherein the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: The test in the grave is that you will be questioned about the esteemed status of the Prophet (PBUH).

You were totally deprived of guidance until the Prophet (PBUH) was raised amongst humanity.

He said that true Adab (respect and reverence), Aqeedah & Ishq (belief and extreme love) should be learned from Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA). The belief of the companions of the Prophet (PBUH) is the belief that we should follow.

Dr Qadri said that we need to question ourselves & make sure we follow the ‘Aqeedah of Abu Bakr, Umar, Usman & Ali (RA). He said that the core of Iman (faith) is true love & compassion for the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Shaykh-ul-Islam reminded the participants of the conference that if they want to learn Shariah, they should learn it from the blessed companions of the Prophet (PBUH). The biggest emphasis on the aqeedah of the companions was love & respect for the Holy Prophet (PBUH), he added. He further said that the center of our Iman should be the connection and love for our Holy Prophet (PBUH)